Thiruvananthapuram: The simultaneous surge in prices of rice, various dishes, vegetables, and eggs in the state is increasing the cost of living for ordinary citizens and middle-class families. Essential daily commodities have seen significant price hikes over the past two weeks. Some essential items such as rice, beans, and black gram have recorded price increases of up to 20 percent. With sharp price rises in the vegetable market as well, monthly household expenses are becoming difficult to manage.
The most substantial price increase has been observed in small onions. Small onions which previously cost between Rs 70 to Rs 80 per kilo have now reached Rs 140 to Rs 150 per kilo. The doubling of prices in just a few days has hit consumers hard. Onion prices are also on an upward trend.
There has been a considerable increase in prices of rice varieties commonly used by the people of the state. The price of green gram, which was Rs 30 to Rs 32 per kilo, is now between Rs 36 and Rs 44. Sugar prices have increased from Rs 30 to Rs 40. Varieties of rice used as the staple food for Malayalis, such as Matt, Surekha, and Jai, have all seen price rises between Rs 4 and Rs 8 per kilo. Ponni rice, which was available at Rs 60 per kilo two months ago, has now risen to Rs 95. Sona Masuri rice prices have jumped from Rs 70 to Rs 95.
Prices of basmati and Jeerakasala (cumin rice) varieties, used in biryanis, have also risen significantly. With price increases of more than Rs 50 per kilo, this is contributing to increased costs in hotels and catering sectors. The prices of various ingredients have also risen sharply. The price of sugar, previously Rs 60 per kilo, has lifted to Rs 65. Prices of pulses like peas and black gram have risen by Rs 20 per kilo, reaching Rs 150.
The price of dried chili has again seen an increase. Earlier it had risen up to Rs 500 per kilo but had declined to Rs 200. However, prices have increased once more to Rs 320 per kilo.
The continuous price escalation of ingredients is creating financial strain for hotels, small eateries, and households alike. There has been no significant reduction in vegetable prices. Carrots, which cost Rs 50 per kilo last week, are now Rs 80 per kilo. Murungakkai (drumstick) prices stand at Rs 150 per kilo, and small lemons fetch Rs 130 each in retail markets. Beans cost Rs 120 per kilo, green chilies Rs 75, and tomatoes Rs 60. The price of ridge gourd has crossed Rs 50. The ongoing rise in vegetable prices is heavily impacting the food expenses of average families.
Egg prices have also increased. The price of white eggs, previously Rs 7 each, is now Rs 8. Country eggs are priced at Rs 12 each. Families dependent on eggs as an affordable source of protein are also feeling the pinch due to these price hikes.
The market explanation for the price increase is the reduced agricultural production caused by the lack of rainfall. However, there are allegations that intermediaries are using narratives about production shortfalls to justify raising prices. It is also pointed out that widespread use of rice and sugarcane for ethanol production is contributing to food grain price hikes. Nonetheless, there is no clear data available to determine how much these factors influence the price increases.
The simultaneous rise in everyday commodity prices most adversely affects people with fixed incomes, daily wage workers, and ordinary families. As the amount of money to be set aside for food increases, people are now forced to cut back on other essential expenses.
Calls are growing for the government to intervene effectively to control price rises and curb unnecessary market speculation and hoarding. There is concern that if prices continue to escalate, kitchen budgets for families will face even more severe crises in the coming days.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
